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Is NOW a good time to buy real estate? Depends on where you are.

The cool thing about covering retail and consumer spending is that I get to stories on industries like real estate. And... truth be told, for the past 6 months I'be been hunting around for a place to purchase here in NYC. To say it's been difficult is an understatement. More on that later (I promise) but for now, check out the segment I did for MSNBC's The Cycle on this subject. From my extensive research and first hand knowledge, I discovered the following: 1) It all depends on where you want to buy. 2) The housing market is in direct correlation with employment. 3) Currently the market seems to be indicating that people are buying and building. 4) People are purchasing in "trophy" cities like New York, Miami & LA. Chicago is not included on the list.

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Lipstick Jungle = perfect Sat. afternoon entertainment

lipstick_jungle05.jpg I have to admit, I'm not a big network television watcher, but "Lipstick Jungle" is quickly becoming one of my favorites.  The characters are believeable, their problems seem familiar and they all seem WAY less annoying than the Sex and the City crew. Then again, I'm not really watching the show- I'm doing my expenses and looking at the pretty clothes, but still...